Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Hikes
United Kingdom
England
South West England

East Knoyle

The best walks and hikes around East Knoyle

4.7

(447)

2,818

hikers

184

hikes

Hiking around East Knoyle offers diverse trails within the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region features a mix of open fields, wooded areas, and gentle hills, characteristic of South West England's countryside. East Knoyle is situated on the slopes of a greensand ridge, providing undulating landscapes and scenic views across the Nadder Valley.

Best hiking trails around East Knoyle

  • The most popular hiking route is Fonthill Lake loop from Hinden — Cranbourne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs, a 7.6 miles (12.2 km) trail that takes 3 hours 19 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers scenic views around Fonthill Lake.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Mackintosh Davidson Wood, West Knoyle & Windmill Hill loop from East Knoyle, a moderate 5.1 miles (8.2 km) path. This trail combines ancient woodlands with open fields and views from Windmill Hill.
  • Local hikers also love the Windmill Viewpoint – View from Windmill Hill loop from East Knoyle, a 6.5 miles (10.5 km) trail leading through varied terrain to panoramic viewpoints, often completed in about 2 hours 54 minutes.
  • Hiking around East Knoyle is defined by open fields, wooded areas, and gentle hills, with prominent features like Windmill Hill and the greensand ridge. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy walks to more challenging routes.
  • The routes in East Knoyle are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 400 reviews. More than 2800 hikers have used komoot to explore East Knoyle's varied terrain.

Last updated: June 24, 2026

4.6

(16)

77

hikers

#1.

Fonthill Lake loop from Hinden — Cranbourne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs

12.2km

03:19

170m

170m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
Sign up for free to see 180 more hikes around East Knoyle.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around East Knoyle

Cycling around East Knoyle

Running Trails around East Knoyle

MTB Trails around East Knoyle

Road Cycling Routes around East Knoyle

Gravel biking around East Knoyle

Tips from the Community

Pizzaman21
November 16, 2025, The Beckford Arms

A lovely pub half way round. Or if you’re tight for time park near here and just walk around the lake

0

0

Interesting feature that looks like it was part of a railway, but clearly it never was.

1

0

51m
October 15, 2023, Fonthill Lake

Fonthill Lake is part of the Fonthill Estate, which dates back to 1533. The lake is natural but has been landscaped over the years and used to power mills as well as for pleasure. Today it's a great place to run, with a footpath along the western shore.

0

0

51m
October 12, 2023, Mackintosh Davidson Wood

Mackintosh Davidson Wood is a nature reserve managed by the Woodland Trust. It's a mixture of ancient and newly planted woodland and some fields and glades. There are several footpaths through the woods.

0

0

51m
October 12, 2023, View from Windmill Hill

Windmill Hill has a nice viewpoint looking south-west. The actual windmill stands to the north-east.

0

0

nice start and stop at Bird&Carter

1

0

Bring lots of fluids expect to be there for a day

1

0

Hindon is a sleepy Wiltshire village with a history that stretches back to 1218. It has an attractive high street with a couple of pubs, a village shop, and an old church. There is accommodation, too.

3

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hiking trails are available around East Knoyle?

East Knoyle offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 190 trails available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging routes, ensuring options for all fitness levels.

What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes near East Knoyle?

The hiking trails around East Knoyle feature a delightful mixture of open fields, wooded areas, and gentle hills, characteristic of South West England's charming countryside. You'll find paths traversing the greensand ridge, offering undulating landscapes and scenic views across the Nadder Valley.

Are there many circular walks in East Knoyle?

Yes, many of the trails around East Knoyle are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Fonthill Lake loop from Hinden is a popular moderate circular hike.

Are there any easy hiking options suitable for beginners or families?

Absolutely. East Knoyle has over 70 easy hiking routes. These paths are generally less strenuous and can be a great way for families or those new to hiking to explore the beautiful countryside. Look for routes with minimal elevation gain and shorter distances.

Where can I find panoramic views on a hike in East Knoyle?

For breathtaking panoramic views, consider trails that incorporate Windmill Hill. At 650ft (198m), it provides unrivalled vistas across the Blackmore Vale into Dorset. The Windmill Viewpoint – View from Windmill Hill loop from East Knoyle is an excellent option for this.

Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails around East Knoyle?

Many public footpaths and trails around East Knoyle are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through fields with livestock or during ground-nesting bird seasons. Please be mindful of local signage and clean up after your pet.

What are some longer or more challenging hikes in the area?

For those seeking a more challenging experience, East Knoyle offers 10 difficult routes. A longer option is the Hindon Village – Holy Trinity Church loop from Fonthill Gifford, which spans over 18 km and features significant elevation changes, providing a rewarding workout.

Are there any notable natural features or attractions to see along the trails?

Yes, the area is rich in natural beauty and points of interest. You can explore the ancient and newly planted woodlands of Mackintosh Davidson Wood, or enjoy the scenic footpath along Fonthill Lake. For impressive viewpoints, consider visiting Cold Kitchen Hill Trig Point or Melbury Beacon.

What do other hikers say about the trails in East Knoyle?

The trails in East Knoyle are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse terrain, the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside, and the rewarding panoramic views from spots like Windmill Hill.

Is it possible to reach hiking trails in East Knoyle using public transport?

While East Knoyle is a rural village, it's advisable to check local bus schedules for connections to nearby towns. For direct access to many trailheads, driving and utilizing local parking facilities is often the most convenient option.

Are there any pubs or cafes near the hiking routes in East Knoyle?

East Knoyle and its surrounding villages offer charming local pubs and cafes where you can refresh after a hike. These establishments often provide a welcoming atmosphere and a chance to experience local hospitality. It's a good idea to check their opening hours in advance.

What is the best time of year to go hiking in East Knoyle?

East Knoyle offers enjoyable hiking year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours, and even winter walks can be beautiful, especially on crisp, clear days. Always check weather conditions before heading out.

Most popular routes around East Knoyle

Cycling around East Knoyle

Most popular attractions around East Knoyle

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

CornwallDevonDorsetGloucestershireSomersetBath and North East SomersetNorth SomersetWiltshireSt. IvesBournemouthCity of BristolPooleZennorSalisburySouth GloucestershireSt. JustMaker-With-RameSt. LevanPlymouthTintagelSt. IsseyTorbayGrade-RuanPadstowBlagdonSennenSt. AgnesMullionLandewednackSt. Minver HighlandsSt. CleerSt. MerrynOtterhamFoweySt. WennSt KeverneSt. EvalSt. Martin-In-MeneageLandulphSt. JuliotSouth WraxallManningfordSt AgnesLooeWarbstowRocheSt. Minver LowlandsBurringtonConstantineMorvahStowey-SuttonSt. Anthony-In-MeneageLesnewthSwindonBradford-On-AvonAbbots LeighMorvalRowdeForrabury And MinsterYatton KeynellNetherhamptonSithneySt. ErvanPolperroRedlynchChew MagnaSt GennysNewquaySt Mary'sFalmouthDevizesWithielSt. DennisSt. GoranSt. MewanLongbridge DeverillPenzanceSt. SampsonMildenhallPerranzabuloePhilleighPewseyOgbourne St. AndrewSt. Michael PenkevilWroughtonGerransNorton MalrewardSedgehill And SemleySt. BrewardClavertonCalstockTisburyGweekBittonCamborneNorth HillNorth StokeSt. Stephen-In-BrannelStanton St BernardMarlboroughPortreathLong AshtonPonsanoothLinkinhorneBude-StrattonPerranuthnoeWinterbourne MonktonTreverbynMevagisseyWeston-Super-MareGwinear-GwithianHelstonVeryanPorthlevenCardinhamTorpointSt. TudySt. Columb MajorStaplefordMawnanLimpley StokeSherstonAveburyPortburyWick And AbsonAltonWest TisburyLanteglosIlloganCongresburyBritfordTrevalgaMylorHayleSt. TeathSt. BlaiseSancreedSt. AustellHanhamFeockClevedonSt. ErthCorstonWest HarptreeOrchestonLadockSt. Just-In-RoselandBreageBerwick St. JamesSt. EndellionPublowBodminEnglishcombeSt. MellionManaccanRamsburyDobwalls And TrewidlandPortisheadGunwalloeLanhydrockCastle CombeSt. KewKeynshamLuxulyanStourton With GasperDavidstowKingston SeymourMawgan-In-PydarWinscombe & SandfordSaltfordKelstonPill & Easton-In-GordanoLandfordCharlcombeBlislandAdventLattonRuanlanihorneWinterbourne StokePillatonCalne WithoutSt. JohnSopworthMelksham WithoutBerwick St. JohnLiskeardPentewan ValleyMarhamchurchLaneastBryherSt. EnoderWeston-In-GordanoAmesburyBarford St. MartinEast KennettBromhamSwallowcliffeWellowDodingtonCamelfordWhitstoneCrantockFlax BourtonBishops CanningsSt. NeotDowntonPaulKilkhamptonKewstokeLandrake With St ErneyLudgvanCubertBrockleyButcombeTregoneyOldlandSt Martin'SCompton ChamberlaynePotterneAltarnunSodburyHindonDeviockMabeDunkerton and TunleyMelkshamWarlegganBiddestoneHawkesburyWingfieldBowerchalkeGrittletonTywardreath And ParCompton DandoGrampound With CreedSt. EweMorwenstowSt. IveAlmondsburyFreshford

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Sedgehill And Semley

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy